Who is Eligible for HospiceCare?
HospiceCare is available to all terminally ill or injured patients and their families regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, faith, sexual orientation, physical condition, or ability to pay.  Anyone can refer a patient to hospice. 

To be admitted, a patient must:
• Agree to treatment aimed at comfort rather than cure
• Have a life limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course, as certified by a physician.
• Live in Volusia or Flagler counties at the time of service.

Who pays for hospice?
Hospice is covered under Medicare Part A, Medicare HMOs, Medicaid (Florida)
and most insurance companies.  In those situations where Medicare or Medicaid does not apply, a sliding fee scale is available for those with limited or no financial resources.

Hospice Facts and Trends

* More people choose hospice and palliative care each year. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization reports that there are more than 4,000 hospice programs in the United States, and these programs cared for more than 1.2 million people last year.

* For twenty-five years, hospice has been a fully covered benefit under Medicare. Hospice is also covered by Medicaid, most private insurance plans, HMOs and other managed care organizations.

* Hospice and palliative care can take place in a variety of settings, including private homes, hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

* Approximately 400,000 hospice volunteers contribute more than 18 million hours per year.

* Hospice and palliative care is an option for those with illnesses other than cancer, including HIV/AIDS and dementia.

* Professionally-trained staff help to facilitate communication between family members about advance care planning, end-of-life wishes and decision making.

* Studies have shown that hospice and palliative care directly addresses the concerns that many people have about dying, which include being in pain and being a burden on family.

* The majority of families whose loved one was cared for by hospice overwhelmingly support their decision to choose hospice care; the most common statement heard is, “we wish we had chosen hospice sooner.”